We moved to a small coastal town from a big city 3 years ago and were happy with the idea that we'd probably have friends visiting, especially during summer. We have a spare room with ensuite bathroom and it's always ready for visitors.
If people are staying, they're welcome to join us in whatever we do, go their own way or a mixture. Sometimes they eat with us, other times they eat out and at others we all eat out together. We never expect them to pay for our meals but it's nice when they do. Neither do we ever expect payment from our guests.
But ... the couple due to arrive tomorrow for 3 nights have just messaged me and asked me to make sure there's white bread and strawberry jam here for their breakfasts, and a carton of orange juice because she doesn't drink tea or coffee. (There's a supermarket at the end of the road which will be open when they get here so they could pick up their own stuff when they arrive.) Then I got a second message from the male of the pairing asking me to 'please make sure there's a clean throw over the sofa and the cat doesn't sit on it before they arrive' as after the last visit he noticed cat hair on his jeans. I use a pet hair brush daily on the sofa as I know the cat loves to sleep on it. He doesn't sit on any of the other chairs in the house, where the guest could easliy sit but he prefers the sofa.
I feel like suggesting he does his own shopping and brings a clothes brush, or books into one of the many hotels in town. He's getting 3 nights free accommodation and fed for at least 4 meals while he's here and seems to be trying to set out a list of requirements I have to meet.
AIBU to be seriously pissed off and tempted to tell them I'll book a hotel room on their behalf and they're paying for it?
AIBU?
AIBU or is this friend being ultra-picky?
scarbados · 24/04/2019 13:14
Actually, reading further replies, I prefer the reply of
"wow"
I think I'd wish I'd replied
"Wow, how rude. Have you forgotten this isn't a hotel, or a business, we are kindly letting you stay in our home so you can save on paying out for a hotel" 
@YoureAllABunchOfBastards 
Definitely think you should nip this in the bud. They are being very rude. If you want a more indirect message, then try something like this:
"Hi, we'll try but we might not get a chance. There's a shop down the road though that should be open when u get here.
Ha! You made me laugh with the throw comment! I think the cat has claimed the sofa, sorry, but I'll try to keep him out of the spare room for you."
They cannot be real?! Talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth.
You sound like a lovely and accommodating friend, btw
At the minimum, flowers and a nice meal out is the least I'd do to repay your kindness.
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